There are so many factors that go into planning your dream wedding. From the venue to your choice of food and decorations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the details.

But one detail you certainly can’t afford to gloss over is your wedding entertainment. You can’t forget that your wedding is, after all, a party. For many folks – yourself included – this will be their biggest party of the year!

When you look at it from that perspective, you quickly realize just how important it is to choose the right wedding DJ or live entertainment.

Wedding Planning 101: What’s Wrong with Hiring a DJ from Craigslist or Thumbtack?

But how do you know you’re choosing the right wedding entertainment for your event? These 5 tips should help.

1. Watch your entertainers perform elsewhere

Modern technology has made it possible for you to watch past performances of wedding DJs and bands from the comfort of your own home, thanks to YouTube.

But nothing compares to seeing these entertainers live in action. If you have the time, and ability, we strongly encourage you to check out your entertainment prospects at one of their events. That way you can assess how well they do with the crowd, and if their entertainment value remains consistent throughout the evening.

2. Don’t flock to the most inexpensive option out there

It doesn’t take long to realize that planning a wedding – no matter how simple or complex – can be costly. It’s only natural to look for ways to trim your budget; but your entertainment should not be one of those elements impacted by cost-cutting.

In the end, you’ll get what you paid for. Pricier musicians and DJs will almost certainly have tremendous experience with weddings, making them far better suited for your event than, say, a local band you found at a coffee shop.

3. Don’t take their word for it. Ask around!

Wedding DJs and entertainers are just like any other business out there: they do well to talk themselves up to their customers and clients.

Don’t just believe everything these folks feed to you. Getting unbiased reviews and feedback from past clients should be a non-negotiable. If a band or DJ isn’t willing to put you in contact with a previous client, that’s your cue to move on to the next option.

4. Make sure they’ll take requests

When it comes to hiring a wedding DJ in the DC area, requests shouldn’t be a problem. But they become a bit more complicated if you hire a live band.

Unlike DJs, bands typically don’t have access to thousands of songs. They have a specific set list they can turn to, meaning your wedding song requests could go unanswered.

As you begin your search, try to come up with a variety of songs you could potentially have played at your wedding. That way, your bands can tell you whether they’re intimately experienced with these genres.

Should you allow music requests from your wedding guests?  Learn more now!

5. Sign a contract. Always.

Having a contract in place is a good idea for each and every single one of your wedding vendors, entertainment included.

Your entertainment contract should include the performer’s fee, arrival/finish times, and any other extras you want to include.

For example, some performers bring their own supplies, but others may wish to use existing speakers or cabling.

You also want to outline cancellation fees, while establishing a fail-safe in case someone in the band falls ill.

People come for your wedding. But they’ll always remember the entertainment.

Not to put any pressure on you, but whom you choose for your wedding entertainment will likely define how fondly your big day is remembered by you and your guests.

We recommend giving yourself at least 9 months to choose the best entertainer that meets your needs, vision and budget. Keep in mind, many of the best throughout the Greater Washington D.C. area book out a year in advance; the more time you give yourself, the greater options you’ll have at your disposal.

Learn more about Planet DJ’s live music and DJ entertainment services by contacting us today.

We here at Planet DJ Productions have been a part of countless weddings throughout the Greater Washington DC area (and abroad). Without fail, each wedding offers us the challenge of figuring out how to keep the party going as we encourage wallflowers to let down their guards and put on their dancing shoes.

This is no easy task, but we know that everyone involved – the bride, groom, and guests – will have a better time if they all get swept up in the music and moment.

That’s why our clients often ask us to bring party motivators to their wedding; motivators are specially trained to engage with guests and bring your celebration to the next level.

This isn’t so different from entertainment staff on a cruise ship. Sometimes people need a little help feeling comfortable letting loose – our party motivators do just that. Here’s how:

1. Never be the first one on the dance floor

While the bride and groom traditionally have the first dance, there are still times throughout the wedding when the dance floor is empty or sparse. This can be incredibly intimidating for anyone (adults or children) who want to dance but don’t want to be the focus of attention.

Party motivators are always out and about, dancing and socializing, making it easier for the rest of the party to join in.

2. Trained to adapt to individual needs

One of the most amazing aspects of a wedding is the wide range of generations that congregate in one space.

But this also introduces a unique challenge: how can you make sure that grandparents and young children are having an equally good time?

A party/dance motivator knows how to speak to, and interact with, guests of all ages. The way you address a shy 5-year-old simply won’t be the way you talk to a 70-year-old. A party motivator knows this, and uses careful yet effective tactics to connect with each and every guest at a wedding.

Whether that means bringing silly toys or costumes, or just engaging in artful conversation, a motivator will make sure every guest walks away happy.

How you know you need a motivational dancer for your wedding

Do you plan to have a wedding that:
    
     * Incorporates dancing and music as an integral part of the reception?
     * Will have guests that range in age?
     * Have guests who may not know each other well (or may have never met?)

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then your wedding certainly can benefit from a party motivator.

Keep in mind that even the most energetic and trained wedding DJs likely can’t also wear the hat of a true motivator. That’s because motivational dancers and party motivators need to be out and about with the crowd, while the DJ should be manning the music.

If you are interested in hiring motivational dancers or a party motivator, consider hiring one who’s familiar with your wedding DJ. It’s important that your DJ and motivator work together to create a fluid and fun party atmosphere that will get everyone dancing and having a good time.

Want to know more about the impact a party/dance motivator could have on your wedding? Contact us today to learn more!

As you prepare for your upcoming wedding (or any special event, for that matter), you’ll surely discover how many things you have to rent to create the perfect atmosphere. Most people are prepared to rent (or hire) such things as tables and chairs, a caterer, a photographer, lighting and music.

However, have you ever considered your potential need for renting a dance floor?

Why you might need to rent a dance floor

There are some obvious times when you might need to rent a dance floor. For example, do you plan to have an outdoor wedding? Perhaps something on the beach or in a field? In those instances, you’ll certainly need to rent a dance floor.

However, even if you rent out a hall, there’s still a very good chance you’ll want to at least consider renting a dance floor to help make your event magical. That’s because these days, event flooring can compliment your décor and leave your guests breathless.

Here are 3 tips to help you rent the perfect dance floor for your DC-area wedding or special event – Let’s talk event logistics

No matter how fancy your flooring might be, in the end it serves a very functional purpose. That’s why, at the onset of your wedding floor rental quest, you need to factor in:

     – The number of guests you expect to have
     – The size of the hall where your event will take place

More than anything else, knowing the answers to these components will help you determine how much flooring you’ll need. Flooring typically comes in squared sections, so figure out how many sections you need to rent.

We’d say that a wedding with roughly 100-150 guests will likely need flooring that covers 24’x24’. The rule of thumb we subscribe to is that at least 50% of your guests will be dancing at any given time. You don’t want your floor to be too large (it’ll look empty) or too small (it’ll be uncomfortable).

However, while we’re at it, it’s worth talking to your hall to see if they have any limitations on types of flooring that can be added in.

When renting flooring for your event, money matters

As we’ll discuss shortly, you have various options when it comes to renting your dance floor. The styles you have to choose from each come at a different cost. Types of dance floors can include wood, oak, planks, marble, vinyl, or even lighted components. Each section can range from $3 to $35 – or even more.

When you know how big your dance floor needs to be, you can then request specific quotes from wedding rental companies on your flooring options.

We encourage you, when asking for these quotes, to find out what’s included in the price. We believe that your quotes should include floor delivery, installation, breakdown, and pickup services.

Types of flooring to choose from

Here’s where things get really exciting. What type of dance floor do you need? Often times, the answer to this question will be based on your event’s overall look and feel. That’s why it’s ideal that you work closely with your wedding event planner to ensure consistency.

Some of the most popular flooring options include:

     – Traditional, elegant white dance floor – This is among our most popular options. Traditional dance floors tend to be well received by guests of all ages and backgrounds.

     – Modern, high–tech flooring – This could include LEDs to spice up your dancing. In fact, we could even install special lighting and monograms to help liven up your dance floor.

     – Hybrid FUSION solution – Lately, our hybrid FUSION dance floors are becoming more and more popular. That’s because our FUSION flooring is the best of both worlds: traditional and modern. More specifically, the FUSION dance floor is a see-through white acrylic dance floor with sparkles and a holographic effect built into it.

When renting your event flooring in Maryland, Virginia or Washington D.C., work with the best in the business

As one of the region’s most trusted names in event and party equipment rentals, Planet DJ Productions has every type of flooring option to meet your needs. Beyond equipment rental, we offer our clients a complete event planning solution, including:

     – DJs and live music
     – Lighting
     – Party favors
     – Audio visual services
     – And much more

Working with us will ensure that your event will look, feel, and sound the way you want. Whether it’s renting a dance floor, hiring a party motivator, or getting help planning your fusion or destination wedding, Planet DJ Productions will stand by you, every step of the way.

Contact us now to learn more.

Choosing a DJ for your wedding, corporate event or other gathering is an important step in ensuring that your celebration is a success. DJ’s supply the soundtrack for the event, and heavily influence the type of energy felt by your guests.

These days, many people assume that picking the right DJ in the DC Metropolitan area is as simple as typing a few words into Google. But use that method with great caution. Any website can claim that a DJ is the best in the business. What your wedding or special event needs, however, is more than words. That’s why we encourage you to follow these 3 tips when choosing the right DJ for your D.C. Area event.

Tip #1: Go with what you know

We’ve all been to a wedding or other event where a DJ was present. These events are the best opportunity for you to scope out styles, personalities, and music that you’d like for your own special occasion.

Think back to all of the DJs you’ve seen in your life. Do any of them stand out? Why? Was it the music? Was is their personality? Do you just remember having the time of your life during that day? There is no better recommendation than your own.

Chances are you didn’t get the name of the DJ at the time of the event. But have no fear. You can either ask the host (if that’s possible) or contact the facility where the event took place.

As a backup alternative to this option, you can also ask your friends. The second best recommendation you can go with is one given to you by people you trust. Your friends likely have the same music and style tastes as you (or close enough). Ask them if they remember any DJs who stood out to them.

Tip #2: Ask the right questions

So now you’ve narrowed your DJ down to a select few from either your own past, or from the recommendations of your friends. It’s time to interview each DJ. The most important question you can ask your potential DJs isn’t how much they’d charge, but what kind of experience they have with an event similar to yours.

Here’s an opportunity for the DJ to talk about his or her own experience, and specific memories. Remember, DJs are entertainers, so you should be entertained by his or her responses. You should feel comfortable around this person, and, without question, the DJ should be able to grab and hold your attention.

Chances are you’ll be able to knock off a few potential DJs who just didn’t do it for you during your questioning. But for those who still remain, ask for references. A qualified DC-area DJ shouldn’t hesitate to give you the names of references who will speak on his or her behalf.

Tip #3: Go see them for yourself

Whether you’ve chosen a DJ you’ve seen before, or one from a recommendation, it’s vital that you see the DJ during an event before making a commitment. Yes, even if you’ve seen the DJ before, you should still ask to attend a current event, so that you can get a more representative view of what you should expect.

Don’t worry. This request is not out of the norm. DJs will ask the hosts of an event if it’s all right for you to stop by. Most people don’t have a problem with it, but the DJ will never (or should never) tell you it’s okay to come to an event, unless he or she has cleared it with the organizers.

When you’re at the event, take mental notes. What type of music does the DJ play? How good is he or she at playing requests? How entertaining is the DJ? Is there too much talking? Not enough lighting? Poor equipment? Compare this DJ to a handful of others that you go and see, and soon enough you’ll come away with your #1 choice.

Choosing a Washington D.C. DJ isn’t a last minute decision

As is pretty evident with the level of research and commitment outlined above, you shouldn’t start searching for a DJ a few weeks before your event. In the case of a wedding, for example, we recommend you find your DJ at least a year in advance. It also helps if your DJ can offer you more than music and entertainment (such as event lighting and videography services. This will minimize the number of vendors you have to interview and assess leading up to your big day.

Learn more about why so many people throughout the Metropolitan DC area choose Planet DJ for their music and entertainment needs. Contact us today!

Lights can make a moment. With the right type of lighting, for example, you can transform any empty room into a regal wedding hall. That’s why film directors shout out Lights, Camera, Action before filming their scenes. Lights are, in short, where the magic happens.

So when it comes to your wedding, corporate event, or any other type of celebration, what type of lighting should you choose? Of course that depends on many factors, including:

    * The impression you’re trying to make on your guests
    * The type of event you’re hosting
    * The restrictions of your space
    * Personal tastes

It’s ideal that you work with a D.C. area lighting specialist when choosing the right lighting for your event. Your specialist will be able to make suggestions based on your budget, tastes and more.

Even better would be to work with a company that provides all of your entertainment needs (lighting, music entertainment, etc.) because they’ll be able to create a consistent mood for your event.

While you have many options to choose from for your lighting, 3 of the most impactful styles are Uplighting, Pinspots, and Custom GOBO monograms.

The benefits of using uplighting for your wedding or other event

Uplighting is when you place an elegant beam of light against a wall or column. This lighting technique adds a layer of sophistication to any space. The way it works is that light fixtures are placed on the ground, facing the wall, column or virtually any other element of the room that you want illuminated (tables, displays, etc.). Uplighting can include a single color or can alternate throughout the night. With sophisticated technology, your lighting specialist can also make the colors change alongside the music being played at the time.

Why should I use uplighting for my event?

If you want a stunning look of elegance, then uplighting is your most effective option. Uplighting will enhance a room no matter what size or condition it’s in. This is ideal for weddings, but can be used for any event.

Pinspot lighting

Imagine being able to enhance and illuminate the centerpieces of your tables so that their beauty is put on display. It can happen with pinspotting. Pinspotting is an advanced light design that shines tiny light beams from the ceiling to a designated area (like your table’s centerpiece).

In our experience organizing events throughout the Washington DC area, we’ve seen pinspotting used for cake tables, buffets, floral arrangements, or anything that is deemed significant. But pinspotting is more than hanging a light from a ceiling. The lighting must be hidden perfectly in order for your desired effect to be achieved.

Pinspotting lights are versatile and come in an array of designs. They can be used if you don’t want your guests to endure harsh lighting, and they’re a great way to create a level of drama in a dark room with tiny light pools.

Pinspotting is also effective if you’re looking to hide certain architectural features of your space. By having the main light source focused on tables, for example, your guests won’t even notice that unsavory wall.

Lighting your event with custom GOBO monograms

A gobo is a lighted pattern that’s projected onto a wall or dance floor. Our custom GOBO monograms are a great way to repeat a design element or pattern from your invitation, or theme of your event. You can also choose to design any custom monogram that you wish. These custom GOBO monograms can be used throughout your event space. We’ve seen them used effectively on gift-giving tables, or on the center of a dance floor.

While custom GOBO monograms are popular among wedding events, they are just as effective in most other special occasions. Take, for example, a corporate event. Custom GOBO monograms of your logo can be created, thus helping to push your branding further.

With so many event lighting options, how do you know which to choose?

Event planning can be one of the most overwhelming tasks in your life. There are so many intricacies involved, from music to audio/visual needs and more. Making sure you have the right lighting is vital toward making your event memorable, which is why it’s best that you turn to a lighting expert in the Metro DC area.

Learn more about why so many people throughout the Metropolitan DC area choose Planet DJ for their lighting and entertainment needs. Contact us today!

If there were ever a day where there was no such thing as having too many photos, your wedding day has got to be it. And while hiring a photographer to capture every moment is a good thing, no photographer can capture it all. That’s why more and more couples looking to get married in the DC Metro area are excited to discover wedding day photo booths.

Why choose a photo booth for your wedding day?

You get the idea. And yes, you want to have these moments captured on film. However, your wedding day involves so much more than these planned out events. Oftentimes, it’s the unscripted moments that mean the most.

That’s what renting a photo booth will do for your wedding day: offer a feeling of spontaneity and levity that can be captured in pictures that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

There’s something nostalgic and youthful about these booths. The moment your guests step inside, they’re taken back to a younger time in their lives, where they could act goofy and silly without fear of judgment. The pictures produced when your guests are at their most relaxed will keep you laughing for years to come.

What to look for in your wedding day photo booth rental in D.C.

While photo booths take a page out of yesteryear, that doesn’t mean you have to struggle with old-school technology and poor-quality photographs.

These days, your wedding day photo booth can produce remarkable digital images that you can share in an instant across social media and beyond. You just need to know what to look for when renting these booths.

While these are just the bare minimum that we feel you should look for in a photo booth, there are some added features that may be worth your while.

    Memory Book

Our photo booth service includes a Memory Book, with contains every picture taken on your wedding night, as well as every message your guests left.

    Props

Chances are a number of your guests won’t need encouragement to get a little silly inside the booth. But it doesn’t hurt to have a few props to evoke the inner child in everyone. Hats, glasses, wigs, and funny-face masks will help make these photographs stand apart from those taken outside the booth.

    Attendants

Here’s where Planet DJ Productions simply stands apart from other wedding day entertainers in DC. We assign two qualified and trained attendants to your photo booths. Here’s why:

    * Attendant #1 will take your picture for you. That means you won’t have to worry about hitting a timer button and rushing into a pose.
    * Attendant #2 will remind your guests to write something in the memory book.

Photo booths bring the fun to your wedding day

No matter how formal or informal your wedding day may be, your guests will love the opportunity to let loose inside a photo booth. As D.C.’s leader in photo booth rentals for weddings, celebrations and more, Planet DJ Productions can help you choose the right booth for your important day. Contact us today to learn more.

There are many uncertainties swirling around the average wedding day ceremony. But one certainty is clear: there needs to be entertainment. Without entertainment, all your guests are left with is a rather long evening where they take a lot of photographs and sit around a table eating.

But with the right type of entertainment, your guests will leave your wedding exhausted and exhilarated. Your wedding will go down as a highlight of their year.

Wedding DJ vs. Live Band: Tips from DC’s wedding entertainment experts

In our experience as Washington D.C.’s go-to wedding entertainers, we’ve seen couples struggle through the decision between having a live band or a wedding DJ. In some cases, if the budget allows it, our clients choose to hire both.

While that can be a great option, it’s not always feasible, which is why it’s important that you’re educated about each option before making your decision.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that committing to your entertainment is an important step to take early on in your wedding planning process. That way you don’t have to stress, as the months roll by, that your options are getting more and more limited.

Choosing a live band for your wedding

There’s something classic about having a live band for your reception (and, for an added touch, you could have your live band perform the music during the ceremony).

Live bands help complete the picture-perfect wedding. You could, in fact, choose a niche band (think bluegrass, Latin, etc.). If your wedding has a specific theme, you can choose a band that represents that theme.

However, while bands may have an amazing set list to choose from, they usually have a limited number of songs at their disposal (certainly when compared with a live wedding DJ).

Another concern about live music is that it can be challenging to control the volume of the music, unless the band brings its own sound specialist to monitor the settings.

That being said, when it’s time to get down and party, a live band can be electric. It’s like going to a concert, only with really good food and outfits.

Choosing a wedding DJ over a live band

Live DJs are typically less expensive than a live band, but that doesn’t mean they come with less of a wow-factor. DJs specialize in entertainment. While live bands can bring down the house during a performance, a live DJ has the ability to interject unmatched personality and pizazz.

Another extremely beneficial attribute of hiring a wedding DJ in Washington D.C. is that DJs will have an enormous library of music for you to choose from. If you’re looking for an eclectic soundtrack, you might want to consider a wedding DJ.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be sure to …

The argument over live band or wedding DJ isn’t so much about quality as it is about preference. Both forms of entertainment will do more than play music. They’ll engage with your guests, and, if you’d like, will serve as MC of the party.

They’ll both work with you beforehand to ensure that the music played during your wedding fits the mood and is appropriate for those in attendance.

Still not sure? Ask the Washington D.C. wedding experts

Still not sure which form of entertainment will work for you? Ask the experts. If you ask a wedding DJ which form of entertainment is best, he’ll of course say “DJ.” If you ask a live band which form of entertainment is best, they’ll say “Live Band.” That goes without saying, which is why it’s best to seek the advice of a company that offers both options.

These wedding entertainment companies, like Planet DJ Productions, know the benefits and drawbacks of both types of entertainment, and can work with you to find the perfect match for your wedding.

Don’t fret over the live music vs. wedding DJ conundrum. We’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more.